Top 10: Cheap Vacations

Number 7

Morocco

Just because David and Victoria Beckham favor the Moroccan holiday hot spot of Marrakech, it doesn’t mean that you and your tight budget can’t too. By day, you’ll be able to indulge in a spot of haggling in one of the city’s souks, treating yourself to high-quality leather goods, ceramics, rugs, and paintings, with $60 being the biggest spend. At Atika you’ll be able to snap up a pair of shoes for under $50, while Place Vendome offers the best handbags and jackets $20 can buy.

When you need to recharge your batteries, you’ll find Moroccan fare more than affordable; a traditional meal of beef bib with shallots and mashed potato costs just under $20 at Grand Café de la Poste. And you couldn’t possibly say you’ve been to Morroco without indulging in a traditional hamman, costing just $20 at Les Bains de Marrakech.

When it’s time to catch some Zs, you’ll be able to rent an entire guesthouse, such as Essaouira, for as little as $100 per night for two people.

Number 6

Croatia

Tourism in Croatia has really taken off again, thanks to the restoration of its stunning coastline and Renaissance towns after the war. It is recommended that you visit the region of Istria first, as this is the most accommodating for tourists. Here, you’ll be able to visit historic Roman towns such as Poreč and Pula, as well as medieval castles and national parks. Hostels in most Croatian locations start at around $10; if you can afford a little more than that, travel to the island of Brac where you’ll be able to stay at the charming Villa Adriatica Hotel for around $65 per night. It’s worth every cent for those who like their creature comforts.

Number 5

Turkey

Despite forking out $20 on a visa fee upon arrival at the airport, visitors to Turkey don’t need to start bouncing checks to get the best out of the country. A fusion of East and West, you’ll be able to enjoy wonders you never knew existed this side of the world — many of them for free. 140 stunning Blue Flag beaches by day and exotic belly-dancing in the street by night are just some of the money-free experiences you’ll be afforded here. Catch a dolmus — the preferred method of public transport in Turkey, costing no more than your local bus fare — and head into the city of Ephesus, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. While in the country also make sure you check out the calcified waters of Pamukkale, the Lycian rock tombs, the Temple of Athena and Apollo close to Side, and the Archaeology Museum of Istanbul in the capital. As with most countries, the expense of meals varies, but if you choose wisely you shouldn’t be paying more than $20 per head. Yesil Ev — a converted Ottoman mansion in the Sultanahmet part of town — will put you up for a very reasonable $100 per night, while there are hundreds of bed and breakfasts that cost little over $15 per night.

Number 4

Argentina

Despite what many of us think, South America is relatively safe — visitors simply need to have their wits about them and avoid the most dangerous neighborhoods, as is the case with most major cities. With all the charm and character of Brazil without the price tag, Argentina is fast becoming South America’s most happening location. A trip to the capital Buenos Aires — although exotic and far-flung — can be enjoyed by even the most frugal traveler. Argentinean steak dinners cost as little as $5 in the city center, while the best seats at the theater run little over $15.

With prices that cheap the evening doesn’t need to stop there; nightclub entrance costs only $2 in most places, and there are a lot of places. When the tango-dancing and mojito-drinking are done, rest your weary head at the Art Hotel in Recoleta — just a 10-minute walk from where Evita is buried — costing just $65 per night. Who can argue with that?